Vietnam's shift to coin-based low denominations in the early 2000s was driven largely by the failure of paper notes at equivalent values to survive circulation — the tropical climate and handling volume destroyed low-denomination notes within months. Brass-plated steel was chosen over solid brass as a direct cost-reduction measure, keeping unit production expense well below face value.
Vietnam's shift to coin-based low denominations in the early 2000s was driven largely by the failure of paper notes at equivalent values to survive circulation — the tropical climate and handling volume destroyed low-denomination notes within months. Brass-plated steel was chosen over solid brass as a direct cost-reduction measure, keeping unit production expense well below face value.